The former Northern Irish First Minister Dr Ian Paisley has died, aged 88.
The founder of the Democratic Unionist Party, Dr Paisley led opposition to the Good Friday Agreement - but later shared power with Sinn Féin.
His wife issued a statement at lunchtime today saying "My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning"
IN it she said he family is heartbroken "We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed.
According to the late Reverend Paisley's wishes his funeral and burial will be private and attended only by immediate family.
Mrs Paisley said that
"As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing. To that end we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service which, will be scheduled later in the year."
Our Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly looks back at Ian Paisleys life...
